Craft: |16 March 2022
Veronique Lanza
Meet Veronique, an artisan inspired by our ocean’s colours & island textures, handcrafting tropical seashell jewellery
Today we meet Veronique Lanza, a Seychellois artisan who hand-makes tropical, fun jewellery pieces using shells which she collects during her strolls on the beach. Veronique creates her pieces at her studio ‘Zil Lokal’ (island local) located at Beau Vallon.
Seychelles NATION: Tell us about yourself and your background in art and craft.
Veronique Lanza: I was born and raised in Beau Vallon. I grew up walking the beach every sunset with my family. My mother is Seychelloise and my father is American. I went to study overseas but Seychelles has always been home.
I went to Savannah College of Art and Design, I received a B.F.A in Fibers and Photography. I have also taken some community classes in crafts wherever I have lived (New York and Los Angeles). I have always been interested in a number of crafts and I am self-taught.
I love learning and exploring new techniques. Before returning to Beau Vallon beach, I rekindled my love for jewellery in L.A where I worked in design and production for GlamHouse.
Seychelles NATION: Talk to us about your handcrafted seashell jewellery.
Veronique Lanza: My studio is at Beau Vallon where I make a number of unique styles of jewellery pieces. I mainly make earrings and necklaces. I use shells that I have collected.
Each Zil Lokal piece is made in Seychelles. Each piece is made by me and is unique. I usually lay out how I want a piece to look, then drill holes and use my jewellery wire to create a finished product. I love bright colours so I add beads, pearls and sea glass.
I produce a limited amount of jewellery as I make everything. Then I must package all my pieces properly and drop them off at all my stockists. My pieces can currently be found in a number of boutiques.
I love being in my studio; I try to have a plan and organise what I am going to do that day or week and try to set goals. I listen to a number of podcasts (news, culture, crime, humour), audio books and music. Once I am set up, I usually stay in the studio until late. I love seeing all my finished jewellery. It brings me joy that I created a unique piece with love and with my hands.
Seychelles NATION: What inspired you to make this type of jewellery?
Veronique Lanza: I have always loved and collected accessories (jewellery, bags, hats etc) that are interesting and bring me joy. I started making little pieces for myself to wear and use. I also gifted some of my creations to friends and family over the years (jewellery, bags, kaftans, quilts, pillows, art work).
I am drawn to the ocean’s colours and island textures. I am a lifelong collector of seashells, driftwood and textiles.
I decided to create earrings using the shells and beads that I have collected throughout the years. I love big earrings and wanted to make ones that I would love to wear as pieces of art with an eclectic twist.
I moved back to Seychelles and wanted to create a line that was uniquely Seychelles. I have always wanted to create a line and when I moved back to Seychelles, I thought I should just take the leap.
I get inspired by a number of artistries and it was now or never. All my friends and family were very supportive and I am grateful for them and my clients, who I call my Zil Lokal Tribe.
Seychelles NATION: What is required to do this type of craft work?
Veronique Lanza: I believe you must have passion for the creation process of any piece/art work etc. You must have focus and patience, but if you love what you do then that will hopefully come easily. Of course some days will be easier than others.
I have finally moved into a proper studio so I believe having organised space where you can create is also very important. I try to focus on one goal at a time and be inspired by colour.
Seychelles NATION: What ways do you look to progress this type of craft?
Veronique Lanza: I am constantly inspired to progress my craft. I am in the process of making a number of kaftans and new jewellery. However having the time while I am trying to produce enough pieces for all my stockists can delay this. Also in Seychelles, it can be difficult to find or ship items that I need to produce pieces.
Seychelles NATION: Are there any particular ways you hope for people to think about and feel when they are wearing your pieces?
Veronique Lanza: My wish is that everyone who wears Zil Lokal jewellery will feel bright, happy and adventurous. From sunrise to sunset happiness, each unique handmade piece will help keep a little island soul with you wherever you go.
For more information, contact Veronique at Zil Lokal:
- Website : https://zillokal.com/
- Email: veronique@zillokal.com
- Instagram account: Zillokal
F. P.
Photo credits: Zil Lokal Seychelles
